When thinking about Chelsea legends, the two prominent names that strike our mind are Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. This pair is the reason behind what Chelsea is today. The dynamic duo has helped Chelsea fill their trophy cabinet with numerous trophies. This includes Premier League titles and Champions League trophy. Yet, when Lampard was asked about the best striker he had played with, he named someone else instead of Drogba. Now this answer has left the football world in shock, but let’s look at the decision behind this answer.
The Invincible Pair Of Drogba And Lampard
While Lampard was there at Chelsea, he played with many legendary players, but Drogba still goes down in the memory as one of the most impressive. It was an Ivorian who was physically strong and a masterclass in aerial attributes. And besides this, he also had the talent to score at critical times. It could be a header in a cup final or a stunner from outside the box. Drogba could do it all.
But despite being absolutely brilliant in all aspects, Drogba wasn’t Lampard’s favorite. For Lampard, Drogba was undoubtedly special, but another striker’s lethal finishing ability put him on top in that very category.
Sergio Aguero: The Best Striker
Although the time spent at Manchester City was short. It gave Lampard enough display of elite talent of Sergio Aguero close up. Discussing about the best striker he’s played with, Lampard said, “In pure goal-scoring ability and finishing, Aguero is the best I’ve ever played with.”
Aguero is the all-time leading scorer for Man City, and this will always be his claim to fame his knack to score from any place on the field. It did not matter whether to score a close-range strike or from a long distance. As Aguero proved pretty handy in the moments of clutch. According to Lampard, even if Aguero went silent throughout much of the game, it did not matter. As just one touch of him could change the entire game.
Sergio Aguero: The Manchester City Legend
For anyone who saw Aguero week in and week out, it’s simple to see where Lampard’s answer came from. Apart from master of scoring goals, he was also the man who would win you matches alone. That ability to clutch under pressure, together with his sharp movements and finishing, made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe back then.
Lampard appreciated Aguero’s attitude both on and off the field. He also praised his confidence and, the uniqueness of the flair he brought to his game as well as to training sessions. “He’s deadlier, quicker, and has immense self-belief,” said Lampard. He further added that this self-belief was the reason Aguero could deliver in moments of tension. From his last-minute goal against QPR and winning the Premier League in 2012 to other vital contributions to City’s runs. Aguero always looked to deliver when it mattered most.
Why Was It Not Drogba?
So why was Drogba not considered above for Lampard? Well, note that Lampard still regards Drogba extremely highly. He called him a great all-round striker capable of doing everything. But for Lampard, Aguero’s consistent goal-scoring ability gave him a slight edge. Drogba was a player who contributed in many ways beyond scoring. He had the ability to hold up the ball and create spaces among defenders. And Aguero’s game was completely different, the game of him mostly involved scoring, and he did that very well.
Conclusion
But there is, of course, only so much of Lampard’s opinion. And the fans would still debate who the better striker is. For Chelsea, Drogba, particularly in the huge memory of that Champions League-winning penalty. But Aguero’s consistency to score in any situation makes him the most deserving candidate for the title of best striker.
Ultimately, both have left an incredible mark on English football. Drogba was that sort of warrior, a man for the big occasion. While Aguero was this silent killer, capable of killing off games with a single moment of brilliance. So this goal-scoring ability of Aguero made him the greatest striker Lampard had ever played with. This brilliance of the Aguero caught Lampard’s eyes in such a way that even the greats like Drogba got sidelined.
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